Martin Parr in Mexico: Does Photographic Style Translate?

Authors

Timothy R. Gleason Ph.D., University of Wisconsin OshkoshFollow

Abstract

This study analyzes Martin Parr’s 2006 photobook, Mexico. Parr is a British documentary photographer best known for a direct photographic style that reflects upon “Englishness.” Mexico is his attempt to understand this foreign country via his camera. Mexico, as a research subject, is not a problem to solve but an opportunity to understand a photographer’s work. Parr’s Mexico photography (technique, photographic content, and interest in globalization, economics, and culture) is compared to his previous work to explain how Parr uses fashion and icons to represent a culture or class. This article argues Parr’s primary subjects, heads/hats, food, and Christs, are photographed without excessive aesthetic pretensions so that the thrust of Parr’s message about globalization can be more evident: Mexico maintains many of its traditions and icons while adopting American brands

Recommended Citation

Gleason, Timothy R. Ph.D. (2011) "Martin Parr in Mexico: Does Photographic Style Translate?," Journal of International and Global Studies: Vol. 3: No. 1, Article 4.
DOI: 10.62608/2158-0669.1064
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/jigs/vol3/iss1/4

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